Demonstration Project Series No. 1

Local Demonstration Projects on Climate Change Adaptation

Final report of the first batch project in Cambodia

Mekong River Commission

Local Demonstration Projects on Climate Change AdaptationFinal report of the first batch project in Cambodia

Published by

The Mekong River Commission, Vientiane, Lao PDR, October 2014

Specific project title

Climate Change and Adaptation Initiative (CCAI) Demonstration Site Project in Prey Veng Province, Cambodia

Authors: Vathana Kol, Chan Thoeun Heng, Savuth Yin, Touch Siv, Chamroeun Hul, Thary Chim and Khom Sok

Editors: Barbara Hall and Sopheak Meas

Cite this document as

MRC. (2014). Local demonstration projects on climate change adaptation: Final report of the first batch project in Cambodia Demonstration Project Series No. 1. Vientiane: Author.

Disclaimer

This report was prepared by the Lao National Demonstration Project Team on behalf of the Mekong River Commission.

Although all effort is made to ensure that the information, opinions and analyses contained in this document are based on sources believed to be reliable, no representation, expressed or implied, is made guaranteeing accuracy, completeness or correctness.

The opinions contained herein reflect the judgment of the authors and are subject to change without notice. The views and opinions of authors expressed do not necessarily state or reflect those of the Mekong River Commission, its agents or the Member Countries.

Neither the Mekong River Commission, nor the Member Countries and any agency thereof, their employees, contractors, subcontractors or their employees, assumes any legal liability or responsibility for the consequences of any third party’s use of the information, opinions and analysis contained in this report.

Graphic design by: Phannavanh Anoulack

© Mekong River Commission184 Fa Ngoum Road, Unit 18, Ban Sithane Neua, Sikhottabong District,Vientiane 01000, Lao PDRTelephone: (856-21) 263 263 Facsimile: (856-21) 263 264E-mail: mrcs@mrcmekong.orgWebsite: www.mrcmekong.org

ISBN: 978-9932-412-08-2

Seven Development Partners, including Australia, Denmark, European Union, Finland, Germany, Luxemburg, and Sweden, provide financial support to the work of the Mekong River Commission’s Climate Change and Adaptation Initiative. This particular project and its publication would not have been possible without their kind support to which we owe our gratitude.

i Final Report of the First Batch Project in Cambodia

Figures and Tables iiiAcronyms and Abbreviations vAcknowledgements viiExecutive Summary ix

1. Background 1

2. Goal and Objectives 3

3. Methodology 5

4. Activities 9

5. Results 175.1. Outputs 175.2 Outcomes 39

6. Conclusions 43

7. Recommendations and lessons learnt 45

References 47Annex 1: Climate Change Adaptation Priorities for Prey Veng Province 49Annex 2: Supplementary Documents 55

CONTENTS

iii Final Report of the First Batch Project in Cambodia

Figure 1: Flow chart on climate data analysis 7Figure 2: Maximum, minimum and average temperatures, 1997-2010 19Figure 3: Average annual rainfall, 1984-2010 19Figure 4: Cause, duration and frequency of floods 24Figure 5: Drought characteristics 25Figure 6: Response to flooding 27Figure 7: Steps for assessing vulnerability and defining adaptation options of agricultural rice production in Prey Veng Province 29Figure 8: Prey Veng rice yield under low and high emissions scenarios 30Figure 9: Structure of Sub-national Adaptation Planning of Action 35

Table 1: General methods and tools for adaptation planning 22Table 2: Priority villages by climate extremes 26

FIGURES & TABLES

v Final Report of the First Batch Project in Cambodia

CARDI Cambodian Agricultural Research and Development InstituteCCAI Climate Change and Adaptation InitiativeCCCSP Cambodia’s climate change strategic plan CCD Climate Change Department DSSAT Decision Support System for Agro-technology TransferGCMs Global Circulation ModelsGIS Geographic Information SystemMRCS Mekong River Commission SecretariatNAPA National Adaptation Programme of ActionPCDM Provincial Committee for Disaster ManagementPDA Provincial Department for AgriculturePDH Provincial Department of HealthPDRD Provincial Department of Rural DevelopmentRUA Royal University of AgriculturePDWRAM Provincial Department of Water Resource and MeteorologySAPA Sub-National Adaptation Planning of ActionSRES Special Report on Emissions ScenariosUNFCCC United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change

ACRONYMS & ABBREVIATIONS

vii Final Report of the First Batch Project in Cambodia

The Cambodia National Mekong Committee (CNMC) is grateful for the technical support and valuable input received from the key stakeholders and government line agencies.

The authors would also like to express their sincere gratitude to the MRC for funding support the CCAI Demonstration Project through the CNMC. Special thanks are due to Peou Vuthyrak, National Environment Programme Coordinator and CCAI Demonstration Project Assistant, CNMC, and Nuon Vanna, CCAI Technical Officer, MRC Secretariat. The CCAI/CNMC also gratefully thank the members of the Survey Team: Kim Soben, Team Leader for the Field Survey (Group1), Royal University of Agriculture, Sun Kolvira, Team Leader for the Field Survey (Group 2), MoE; Oum Sophanny, researcher and representative of Prey Veng Province; Sith Som, researcher and representative of Prey Veng Province; Nuon Chuong, researcher and representative from the district; Cheat Nearoday, researcher and representative from the district; Seth Sopunnaleap, researcher at the Royal University of Agriculture; and Top Sokutheary, researcher at Royal University of Agriculture. We would also like to thank Nuon Vanna, CCAI Technical Officer, MRC, for his carrying out the Households and the Gender Survey, and the Vulnerability and Adaptation Assessment, in Prey Veng Province. We are also particularly grateful to all stakeholders including the local authorities and other provincial departments, for their assistance and cooperation during project implementation.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

ix Final Report of the First Batch Project in Cambodia

Cambodia is highly vulnerable to the impacts of climate variability and climate change. The country’s entire agricultural production system is dependent on the annual flooding and recession of Tonle Sap Great Lake, and is therefore particularly sensitive to potential changes in local climate and monsoon regimes. Records from 1982 to 2002 on droughts and floods clearly indicate that the provinces that are vulnerable to floods are equally vulnerable to droughts. Prey Veng Province is one of the provinces that is the most vulnerable to floods, hence also to drought.

The objectives of the Study on Preliminary Climate Change Adaptation Planning for Implementation in the four districts in Prey Veng Province were:

(i) to assess the impact of extreme climate events on socio-economic conditions, to assess climate hazards in order to assist and support the local authorities and stakeholders in local planning and decision making, and to provide supporting methods and tools for adaptation planning to address climate change;

(ii) to assess the vulnerability and adaptation in district level in order to develop action plan for adaptation to climate change for community based practice in integrating local knowledge and their experiences;

(iii) to build capacity and awareness raising on climate change, focusing on the vulnerability and adaptation assessment for the local authorities, the provincial departments and district

levels and stakeholders, as well as on lessons learned and experience shared from the demonstration site project of MRC Climate Change and Adaptation Initiative (CCAI) for future national development.

The overall approach of the CCAI demonstration project focused on: (i) primary and secondary sources, such as data and information gathering from a review of publications such as reports, documents, policies and field surveys related to, inter alia, the status of the socio-economic situation, the demography, the natural resources, biodiversity, the environment, climate hazards and climate change activities in the province; (ii) the impact of extreme climate events on the district/community reflecting in the vulnerability index; (iii) climate modelling and downscaling from selection of both emission scenarios by climate data using reanalysis data from the PRECIS or MAGICC/SCENGEN program for the province; (iv) mapping of climate through the surfer mapping program including GIS in Prey Veng Province, which will be developed and used for the vulnerability and adaptation assessment; and (v) the SPSS (Statistical Package for the Social Sciences) program or Excel spreadsheets, which will be used for analysis from field survey data and information on climate hazards, economic activities and impacts, community-based adaptation practices and response to climate change.

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

x Local Demonstration Projects on Climate Change Adaptation

The methodology was developed based on CCAI experience and principally involved six general steps:

• compiling information on Prey VengProvince and reviewing appropriate methods and tools for climate analysis and adaptation options;

• carrying out a Vulnerability andAdaptation Assessment in Peam Ro, Peam Chor, Preah Sdach and Mesang Districts through household survey and interviews;

• carrying out a Climate Change ImpactAssessment of rainfall and temperature scenarios using two global circulation models and the PRECIS regional climate modelling system applied to Prey Veng Province;

• preparingthereportontheAssessmenton the Impact of Climate Change, Vulnerability and Adaptation in the Agricultural Sector, specifically for Rice Production;

• developing capacities of government,community and farmer stakeholders including exchange field visits with a focus on Pear Reang District, and Prey Veng provincial adaptation planning support;

• selecting the drought-prone PreyKandeang village for reconstruction of a reservoir to store water for domestic water supply and irrigation in the dry season.

The main achievements of CCAI demonstration project included: (i) the identification of key problems, establishment of the baseline and compilation of supporting methods and tools for climate change adaptation assessment; (ii) the completion of a survey on the household and gender and a vulnerability and adaptation assessment in Peam Ro, Peam Chor, Preah Sdach and Mesang Districts, Prey Veng Province, Cambodia; (iii) the completion of the study on the Assessment of the Impact of Climate Change, Vulnerability and Adaptation on the Agriculture Sector, specifically for Rice Production in Prey Veng Province; and (iv) the application of the approach of the Climate Change Adaptation Planning initiative, which integrates adaptation planning into their provincial investment plans and department programmes and projects. In addition, five training workshops strengthened the capacities of stakeholders at the national and sub-national levels and three consultation meetings were held with stakeholders for the CCAI project.

The CCAI project had a positive impact on four districts – Peam Ro, Peam Chor, Mesang and Preah Sdech, including approximately 195 direct beneficiaries associated with pond restoration. The CCAI demonstration site project improved the capacity of the local authorities and stakeholders in Prey Veng Province to conduct an impact assessment of climate change and a vulnerability and adaptation assessment, and to draw on lessons learned from adaptation planning to assist

xi Final Report of the First Batch Project in Cambodia

the stakeholders in strategy preparation and development in Prey Veng Province’s Planning of Action.

The direct and indirect beneficiary stakeholders of the training workshops and awareness- raising activities on climate change adaptation included the poorest smallholder families, small land-holding families and women. They also included sub-national government officials from the Departments of Agriculture, the Environment, Rural Development, Water Resources and Meteorology as well as the Disaster Management Committee, the provincial Red Cross, the district authorities, commune councils, village chiefs and other local stakeholders.

In Prey Kandeang village, the CCAI team involved villagers in addressing critical water supply issues. The CCAI demonstration project presented a current adaptation demonstration linked to the future climate change adaptation at the sub-national level, which included an adaptation planning initiative for the province.

One of the final outputs was the Adaptation Planning on Climate Change Initiative at the Sub-National Level (Prey Veng Province), February 2013, a document that sets out a vision of resilience in the face of a changing climate to ensure that provincial departments involved continue to achieve their missions and programme goals, and to operate in a secure, effective and efficient manner in a changing climate. The process and mechanisms to

implement the proposed provincial strategies need to be further defined and developed.

The key lessons from project reports related to the need to: (i) ensure greater local participation in adaptation design and implementation; and (ii) exchange experience and lessons learned from the project with other projects in the country and abroad. The main lesson to be drawn is that there are effective methods and tools to establish subnational climate change adaptation in Cambodia provided that there is widespread capacity development and local engagement. The project provided high quality analyses based on downscaled modelling and projections of local agricultural impacts at the provincial level. However, the approach requires further validation to determine replication potential for other provinces.

The final report presents five recommendations:

1. The MRC-supported CCAI local demonstration project can learn from other similar climate change adaptation projects under Cambodia Climate Change (CCCA) Trust Fund. Sharing experience from project to project in the country and abroad would enhance capacity and knowledge on effective approaches to adaptation.

2. The approach, methods and tools for subnational climate change adaptation that have been developed and tested in this project should be replicated and upscaled to other target areas of CNMC,

xii Local Demonstration Projects on Climate Change Adaptation

consistent with the National Adaptation Programme of Action to Climate Change (NAPA) and Cambodia’s Climate Change Strategic Plan and in consultation with key stakeholders for the next batch of local demonstration projects.

3. The provincial adaptation planning framework should be further developed to integrate adaptation planning into provincial investment plans and department programmes. Projects will be based on: (i) a clear strategy and policy statement; (ii) an understanding of the best available, actionable climate change science; (iii) prioritization and implementation of adaptive capacity and actions; (iv) lessons learnt from monitoring and evaluation feedback

on the effectiveness of actions; and (v) awareness raising at the national level.

4. Key stakeholders from different line agencies at the national and sub-national levels should identify and assess the effectiveness of appropriate measures based on local experiences in order to incorporate climate change adaptation considerations into planning processes at provincial departments in Prey Veng Province.

5. Follow-up monitoring, evaluation and adjustment should be undertaken at the project-sponsored community pond at Prey Kandeang village.

1 Final Report of the First Batch Project in Cambodia

The Climate Change and Adaptation Initiative (CCAI) of the Mekong River Commission (MRC) resulted from a decision of the 14th MRC Council meeting in 2007, calling for a regional cooperation initiative to address the challenges of climate change. The MRC Joint Committee (JC) at its 29th meeting held in Thailand on 25-27 March 2009 endorsed the CCAI concept note and the logical framework. The Concept Note, which was prepared in early in 2008, sets out various initiatives on climate change adaptation activities. These include the development of a long-term MRC CCAI based on an extensive in the country and regional consultation processes to identify the current status of climate change adaptation, the gaps, and the priorities of Lower Mekong Basin (LMB) countries. The CCAI is a long-term initiative, which will continue until 2025 and is directly linked to the cycle of MRC’s Strategic Planning process. The CCAI Framework Document provides a detailed design for the first two phases: an Intermediate Phase until the end of 2010 and the first, full five-year phase from 2011 to 2015. The following two five-year phases will be developed based on lessons learned from implementation from the previous phases.

Cambodia is highly vulnerable to the impacts of climate variability and climate change. The country’s entire agricultural production system is dependent on the annual flooding and recession of Tonle Sap Great Lake, and is therefore particularly sensitive to potential changes in local climate and monsoon regimes (Ministry of Environment [MoE], 2001). The coastline, 435 km long, and large parts of the

Mekong River flood plain could be severely affected by a rise in sea level. As a tropical country, Cambodia is vulnerable to a number of tropical diseases such as malaria and dengue fever. A weak health care system combined with widespread poverty and a high illiteracy rate make people more vulnerable to diseases that may become widespread due to climate change.

The occurrence of droughts, floods and windstorms is becoming more common in Cambodia. The risk of these disasters may increase with global warming. Extreme climate events have had severe impacts on the Cambodian people and the national economy. In 2000, for example, heavy flooding killed 362 people, most of whom were children. Damage caused by the 2000 flood amounted to US$157 million; the 2001 flood killed 62 people and resulted in an economic loss of around US$30 million. Further, it is estimated that the 2002 Mekong floods killed 29 people and caused a total damage of over US$12 million (Cambodian Red Cross [CRC], 2008). Under changing climate conditions, these multiple hazards may occur more frequently and mostly affect the poor.

Typhoon Ketsana caused storms and subsequent flash floods in 14 out of 24 provinces in 2009. It left 43 people dead and 87 people severely injured, and 49,787 families were directly affected by losing their home and/or livelihoods. As many as 180,000 people were affected (directly or indirectly), or 1.4 percent of the population. Most of the affected districts are among the poorest in the

1. BACKGROUND

2 Local Demonstration Projects on Climate Change Adaptation

country. The widespread damage to property, livelihoods and public infrastructure in these areas will have a long-term impact. The World Bank (2010) estimated a total of around US$132 million in damages and losses caused by Typhoon Ketsana, which US$58 million in damages and US$74 million in losses.

Prey Veng Province is bordered by Kampong Cham Province to the north, Kandal Province to the west, Svay Rieng Province to the east, and Viet Nam to the south. It is crossed by two major rivers of the country, the Mekong and Tonle Bassac. The capital is Prey Veng town. In 2008, it had a total population of 947,357. The total land area of the province is 4,883 km² (2.7%) of the total land area of Cambodia (181,035 km²). This consists in 445.18 km², (9.12%) of human settlements, 3,100 km² (63.49%) of agricultural land use, 194.61 km² (3.99%) of forested area and 1,082.86 km² (22.18%) of public land, infrastructure and water bodies. The remaining 60.35 km² (1.24%) consists in unused areas.

According to records of droughts and floods from 1982 to 2002, Prey Veng Province is one of the provinces that is the most vulnerable to floods. Provinces that are vulnerable to floods are equally vulnerable to droughts. The vulnerability and adaptation assessment component of Cambodia’s United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) Second National Communication (SNC) has addressed the impact of vulnerability and adaptation (V&A) to climate change, and has identified gaps and needs concerning V&A assessments during the stocktaking exercise,

taking into consideration the outputs of the National Adaptation Programme of Action (NAPA).

The CCAI project addresses adaptation in four districts – Peam Ro, Peam Chor, Mesang and Preah Sdech, including the involvement of approximately 195 direct beneficiaries in pond restoration. Direct and indirect beneficiaries through a number of training workshops included the poorest smallholder families, small land-holding families and women. In addition, beneficiaries include sub-national government officials from the Departments of Agriculture, the Environment, Rural Development, Water Resources and Meteorology, as well as the Disaster Management Committee, the Provincial Red Cross, the district authorities, commune councils, village chiefs and other local stakeholders. The direct beneficiaries played an important role in disseminating lessons learned and good practices to the other stakeholders and smallholder farmers in their communities. The CCAI National Project Team worked closely with all of the beneficiaries in this project implementation to ensure that the project was aligned with the priority issues and real needs of the local community.

3 Final Report of the First Batch Project in Cambodia

The CCAI Cambodia local demonstration project was initiated as a Study on Preliminary Climate Change Adaptation Planning for Implementation in the four districts in Prey Veng Province. The goal was to demonstrate sub-national adaptation planning and action. The specific objectives were:

1. Assess the impact of extreme climate events on socio-economic conditions and climate hazards, assist and support the local authority and stakeholders in local planning and decision making, and provide methods and tools for adaptation planning to address climate change.

Conduct a vulnerability and adaptation assessment at the district level in order to develop an action plan for climate change adaptation for community-based practice in integrating local knowledge and experiences.

2. Build capacity and raise awareness on climate change focusing on the vulnerability and adaptation assessment among the local authorities, the provincial departments, district levels and stakeholders, and draw on lessons learned and share experiences from the demonstration site project.

2. GOAL & OBJECTIVES

5 Final Report of the First Batch Project in Cambodia

The overall methodology was developed based on CCAI experience and principally involved six general steps:

Compile information on Prey Veng Province and review appropriate methods and tools for climate analysis and adaptation options

Carry out a Vulnerability and Adaptation Assessment of Peam Ro, Peam Chor, Preah Sdach and Mesang Districts through a household survey and interviews.

Carry out a climate change assessment of rainfall and temperature scenarios using two global circulation models and the PRECIS regional climate modelling system applied to Prey Veng Province.

Carry out the Assessment on the Impact of Climate Change on the Agricultural Sector, specifically for Rice Production, and carry out a Vulnerability and Adaptation Assessment in Prey Veng Province.

Develop the capacities of government, community and farmer stakeholders including carrying out exchange field visits, with a focus on Pear Reang District and Prey Veng provincial adaptation planning support.

Select the drought-prone Prey Kandeang village for the reconstruction of a reservoir to store water for domestic water supply and irrigation in the dry season.

3. METHODOLOGY

The project started by identifying the key problems, establishing the baseline and compiling supporting methods and tools for climate change adaptation assessment. Methods and tools were reviewed from available documents and other sources of research related to: (i) the status of socio-economic development, the natural resources and biodiversity in Prey Veng Province; (ii) the present situation and outlook of the

development of strategies, policies, plans or programmes and institutional arrangements concerned in climate change adaptation; and (iii) supporting methods and tools for adaptation planning and for raising awareness among concerned provincial departments and all key stakeholders. A ranking system was used to select the districts and communes for a preliminary study.

6 Local Demonstration Projects on Climate Change Adaptation

The assessment of the impact of climate change, vulnerability and adaptation in the agricultural sector was initiated using two global circulation models (GCMs) and the PRECIS regional climate modelling system (UK Met Office) data covering the entire Mekong River Basin. The models were used to project rainfall and temperature, and to assess impacts on agriculture and water resources, and the vulnerabilities anticipated in Prey Veng Province. The technical analyses involved five steps, as follows.

The first step was to reconstruct long-term historical climate data using analysis data from PRECIS downscaling. This analysis was performed to compensate the data gap1. The second step was to validate the reconstructed data using observation data. The third step was to use the observation and reconstructed data to assess historical climate change. The fourth step was to develop climate change scenarios with two emission scenarios, the Special Report on Emissions Scenarios (SRES) A2 and B2. The GCM model was run by the Southeast Asia System for Analysis, Research and Training Regional Center (SEA START RC) with a resolution of 50 x 50 km. Finally, the fifth step was to map changes in past and future climate using GIS. The general process is outlined in Figure 1.

A local survey method was adopted to identify vulnerability and adaptation characteristics. The Vulnerability and Adaptation Assessment, a field survey of households, the local authorities, concerned institutions and gender, was based on questionnaires and observations, and also the use of Participatory Rapid Appraisal (PRA). The resulting report, Household and Gender Survey and Vulnerability and Adaptation Assessment in Peam Ro, Peam Chor, Preah Sdach and Mesang Districts, Prey Veng Province, Cambodia, represents a major effort inprofiling and assessing climate impacts in the four districts. The review of changes in the frequency and intensity of extreme events such as natural hazards, floods and droughts concentrated on an economic loss caused by flood and droughts, agriculture, husbandry, rural infrastructure and health as well as coping and climate change adaptation mechanisms.

The impact of changing climate on rice production in Prey Veng Province was evaluated using several steps of analysis. The first step was to analyse the trend of rice production in the main rice growing areas of the province. This analysis was performed using regression techniques using the year as the independent variable, and wet season and dry season rice productivity as the dependent variable.

1The PRECIS climate data used in the study are the future climate projection daily data for two scenarios (A2 and B2) provided by the Southeast Asia START Regional Center (SEA START Regional Center) based on the ECHAM4 GCM from the Max Planck Institute for Meteorology, Germany, and downscaled to the Mekong region using the PRECIS system with a 0.2 x 0.2 oC grid cell (22 km x 22 km) for the study area in Prey Veng Province.

7 Final Report of the First Batch Project in Cambodia

5

concentrated on an economic loss caused by flood and droughts, agriculture, husbandry, rural infrastructure and health as well as coping and climate change adaptation mechanisms.

1

Rescaling Factor Projection

Reconstruction of Historical Rainfall Data (for all Grid of  Prey Veng province)  

Trend Analys is

Scenarios SRESA2 and SRESB2 for  Mean Annual Rainfall and 

Temperature

Spatial Mapping

Simulation  Data:

PRECIS DATA (scen ario SresA2 and SresB2,  model  ECHAM4)

Climate Data Observation for 17  

stat ions

Observat ion climate data  for  Rainfall: 26 year and Temperature: 26 year

Figure 1: Climate Data Analysis Flow Chart

The impact of changing climate on rice production in Prey Veng Province was evaluated using several steps of analysis. The first step was to analyse the trend of rice production in the main rice growing areas of the province. This analysis was performed using regression techniques using the year as the independent variable, and wet season and dry season rice productivity as the dependent variable. The second step was a calculation of the anomaly of rice productivity (the difference between observation and estimated data derived from equation developed in step 1). The third step was to develop a model for estimating anomalies of rice productivity from monthly rainfall in each province. Rainfall data from the two GCMs run under two emission scenarios of the PRECIS model were then used as inputs for the model developed in step three. This choice of analysis was motivated by the need to remove the impact of technology changes on rice productivity in the province. The outputs are documented in the report: Assessment on the Impact of Climate Change, Vulnerability and Adaptation on the Agricultural Sector, Specifically Rice Production in Prey Veng Province. Capacity development of government, community and farmer stakeholders included carrying out exchange field visits to build capacity of institutions to help farmers better adapt to climate variability and change in an area in Pear Reang District, Prey Veng Province, with the assistance of the Royal University of Agriculture (RUA) and Chea Sim University of

Figure 1:. Climate Data Analysis Flow Chart

The second step was a calculation of the anomaly of rice productivity (the difference between observation and estimated data derived from equation developed in step 1).

The third step was to develop a model for estimating anomalies of rice productivity from monthly rainfall in each province. Rainfall data from the two GCMs run under two emission scenarios of the PRECIS model were then used as inputs for the model developed in step three. This choice of analysis was motivated by the need to remove the impact of technology

changes on rice productivity in the province. The outputs are documented in the report: Assessment on the Impact of Climate Change, Vulnerability and Adaptation on the Agricultural Sector, Specifically Rice Production in Prey Veng Province.

Capacity development of government, community and farmer stakeholders included carrying out exchange field visits to build capacity of institutions to help farmers better adapt to climate variability and change in an area in Pear Reang District, Prey Veng Province, with the assistance of the Royal University of

8 Local Demonstration Projects on Climate Change Adaptation

Agriculture (RUA) and Chea Sim University of Kamchaymear in cooperation with University of Queensland-Australia. The project also supported efforts to integrate adaptation planning into provincial programmes and plans in the Adaptation Planning to Climate Change Initiative at the Sub-National Level (Prey Veng Province (February 2013). Sub-national key stakeholders were also encouraged to participate in project-level adaptation planning activities, capacity building and awareness raising on the important events of adaptation activities at the national and sub-national levels, as well as improving understanding of the adaptation planning process among provincial staff and officers in climate change adaptation planning.

Site selection criteria were developed to identify a specific demonstration site project based on consultation and focusing on the four targeted districts (Peam Ro, Peam Chor, Preah Sdach and Mesang). The criteria for selection included: (i) the presence of climate hazards such floods, droughts and windstorms; (ii) increased risk of extreme events and hazards; (iii) livelihoods that are the most vulnerable to climate hazard; (iv) agricultural activities mainly rice cultivation; (v) water use in the household and for other purposes (agriculture and water resources, etc.); and (vi) the involvement of local government agencies, NGOs and stakeholders. Two possible local adaptation activity sites were identified, with CCAI National Project Team members visiting sites and interviewing commune council members and village chiefs. The discussions focused on a common set of problems including the impact of drought

and flooding on rice production, and drinking water supply issues. This led to the selection of Prey Kandeang village for a field demonstration project due to floods and drought affecting rice yield and production, and severe water supply issues.

The proposed conceptual approach for adaptation planning for the province included a process to identify appropriate adaptation actions to respond to the risks identified in Prey Veng Province. Actions in this Adaptation Plan were determined by rescaling the climate change risk assessment and survey on vulnerability and adaptation assessment. Risks that had inadequate or no monitors in place were then evaluated, and appropriate actions were included in the Plan at the sub-national level for this specific province.

9 Final Report of the First Batch Project in Cambodia

The planned and the reported activities are summarised below.

Activity 1.1.1 Conduct a review and collect information and data on the natural resources, biodiversity, the agricultural sector and current socio-economic conditions of Prey Veng Province.

The CCAI national project team collected and reviewed documents related to the natural resources, biodiversity, agriculture and socio-economic status of Prey Veng Province. They prepared an outline of the key problems and baseline conditions, and reviewed the various methods and tools for assessing climate change adaptation.

Activity 1.1.2 Organise a consultation meeting with the local authorities and stakeholders, particularly provincial departments involved, in order to introduce the CCAI demonstration site project. This will also provide an opportunity to discuss in detail the key problems and issues for comments, recommendations as well as feedback to be verified at the specific site for communes and villages in four target districts of Prey Veng Province.

The national project team organised a series of consultation meetings related to this activity such as: the kick-off meeting on “Implementation of the Demonstration Project in Prey Veng Province” (20 December 2010), Prey Veng Province; the CCAI Team Meeting on “Implementation of the Demonstration

Project in Prey Veng Province” (20 May 2011), Phnom Penh; and the Sub-National Meeting on Site Selection of Demonstration Project in Prey Veng Province (29 July 2011).

Activity 1.1.3 Review the current development of strategies, sectoral policies, plans and programmes related to key sectors in Prey Veng Province.

The national project team reviewed a number of national documents such as: (i) the Strategic Plan of the Ministry of Environment (2009-2013) (MoE, 2009); (ii) the Strategic National Action Plan for Disaster Risk Reduction, 2008-2013 (SNAP) (NCDM & MoP, 2008); (iii) the Strategy for Agriculture and Water (2006-10), (2011-13) (MAFF & MoWRAM, 2007, 2010); (iv) the Rectangular Strategy for Growth, Employment, Equity and Efficiency in Cambodia (RGC, 2008) and other documents related to this activity.

Activity 1.1.4 Synthesise all available, ongoing and planned activities of projects, programmes and initiatives related to climate change adaptation, climate hazards and disaster management in Prey Veng Province.

The national project team also reviewed and summarised related ongoing and completed programmes and projects. It set the priorities of the districts in Prey Veng Province for 2009: climate hazards, national natural disasters, disaster management, consultation

4. ACTIVITIES

10 Local Demonstration Projects on Climate Change Adaptation

meetings with the local authorities and stakeholders, and the development of the selection criteria fora specific demonstration site.

Activity 1.1.5 Analyse and assess information and data gathered to identify the key problems and establish the baseline for key target areas in Prey Veng Province.

The national project team analysed data and information collected in order to identify the key problem and establish the baseline for key target areas prior to conducting the V&A assessment of four districts. This was achieved through a consultation meeting with the local authorities and stakeholders, and from the information collected in the previous activity for the selection of the specific demonstration site.

Activity 1.2.1 Collect information and data on present and future climate change adaptation in Cambodia.

The national project team collected information and data on present and future climate change adaptation in Cambodia from the output of the Expert Meeting on National Adaptation Plans (NAPs) held in Vientiane, Lao PDR on 15-17 September 2011, which focused on: (i) the process to enable least developed countries (LDCs) to formulate and implement National Action Plans (NAPs), building on their experience in preparing and implementing National Adaptation

Programmes of Action (NAPA); (ii) the modalities and guidelines for the LDCs and other developing country UNFCCC Parties to employ the formulated modalities to support future NAPs . The implications for Cambodia’s climate change adaptation were taken into account based on NAPA and priorities for future NAPs.

Activity 1.2.2 Review and synthesise current and planned strategies, sectoral policies, plans and programmes as well as available information and data related to climate change adaptation, in particular on the agricultural sector in Prey Veng Province.

The national project team reviewed a number of documents related to climate, agriculture and water such as: (i) the agricultural sectoral policy and programme; (ii) the water resources sectoral policy, plan and programme; (iii) the three-year Investment Programme (2011-13) in Prey Veng Province; and (iv) the findings gathered by the Ministry of the Environment (MoE, 2009) in Prey Veng Province related to past and current climate change adaptation in Prey Veng (temperature and rainfall, extreme climate events, and infrastructure and social-economic impact by climate hazards and socio-economic impacts of extreme climate events).

11 Final Report of the First Batch Project in Cambodia

Activity 1.3.1 Review and select available outputs from available studies and assessments of the impact of extreme climate events and from the index of vulnerability.

The national project team reviewed the assessments by the MoE (2010) on the data from the vulnerability index (VI) for the whole country including Prey Veng Province and changes in the vulnerability of communes from less vulnerable to extremely vulnerable during the 2006-08 period.

Activity 1.3.2 Conduct a review and select the outputs of climate modelling and downscaling from PRECIS, MAGICC/SCENGEN or other programs for Prey Veng Province.

The national project team reviewed and selected the outputs of climate modelling and downscaling from PRECIS or MAGICC/SCENGEN to be applied to Prey Veng Province by using past, current and future climate change in Cambodia. The review estimated average temperatures using the PRECIS model and change variance of monthly rainfall patterns.

Activity 1.3.3 Identify and develop appropriate methods and tools of climate modelling and downscaling for adaptation planning in the province.

The national project team produced the outputs from MAGICC/SCENGEN from modelling and downscaling. The output

of the PRECIS data was produced by the SEA START Regional Centre for 2,225 grid cells covering the entire Mekong River Basin with a 0.2 x 0.2 degree resolution (equivalent to around 22 km x 22 km) and a 0.5 x 0.5 degree resolution (50 km x 50 km), which were considered appropriate for the Prey Veng Province impact assessment, risk and adaptation planning.

Activity 1.3.4 Identify and develop appropriate methods and tools for assessing climate hazards, community and economic activities, infrastructure and adaptation options including the gender perspective.

The national project team identified and developed appropriate methods and tools for analysing the climate model outputs, including rainfall data used for determining evapotranspiration potential. In order to evaluate the impact of climate change, the median of rainfall and temperature data of the 14 GCM models and the PRECIS model were run under two emission scenarios and three time periods as inputs for the soil water balance model for agriculture and water related to economic activity in agricultural production in the local community.

Activity 1.3.5 Introduce and disseminate methods and tools for adaptation planning to concerned provincial departments and local authorities and other stakeholders.

12 Local Demonstration Projects on Climate Change Adaptation

The national project team introduced and disseminated the appropriate methodology and tools for adaptation planning to stakeholders including: (i) the Guidebook for Community Vulnerability, Risk and Adaptation Assessment of the Impact of Climate Change (Inmuong, 2011); (ii) the report on Mainstreaming Climate Change Adaptation: Understanding Climate Change and Mainstreaming Climate Change Adaptation Practice and Tools for Mainstreaming Climate Change Adaptation (CARE, 2009); and (iii) A Toolkit for Designing Climate Change Adaptation Initiatives (UNDP, 2010).

Activity 1.3.6 Summarise the results from methods and tools for adaptation planning.

The national project team summarised the tools and methods for adaptation planning in order to evaluate climate change impacts, vulnerability and adaptation. The Tools and Methods Report was taken into account in adaptation planning in Prey Veng Province in: (i) the Guidebook on the Assessment of the Impact of Community Vulnerability, Risk and Adaptation to Climate Change; (ii) Mainstreaming Climate Change Adaptation: A Practitioner’s Handbook; and (iii) A Toolkit for Designing Climate Change Adaptation Initiatives.

Activity 2.1.1 Conduct a field survey on the impact of climate change as well as an assessment on vulnerability and adaptation to

climate hazards (floods, droughts, windstorms, etc.) in Prey Veng Province, focusing on the four targeted districts.

Activity 2.1.2 Conduct a survey on assessing the impact of climate change, vulnerability and adaptation of the agricultural sector, focusing on the four targeted districts.

(Activities: 2.1.1 and 2.1.2) The national project team conducted a field survey, the Household and Gender Survey, and Vulnerability and Adaptation Assessment in Prey Veng Province, Cambodia (CNMC, 2012b). The objective of the survey was to: interview, collect data and information on households and gender vulnerability and adaptation to climate change; assess vulnerability and adaptation of households; and integrate outputs into the preliminary climate change adaptation planning for implementation in the four districts in Prey Veng Province. The survey involved 172 respondents in four districts on 5-11 November 2011 (60% were head of households and 40%, members of households). The evaluation of the changes in the frequency and intensity of extreme events, such as natural hazards, floods and droughts, focused on the economic loss on agriculture, husbandry, rural infrastructure and health, as well as on mechanisms for coping and adaptation to climate change.

13 Final Report of the First Batch Project in Cambodia

Activity 2.1.3 Analyse data and information on climate hazards, economic activities, the agricultural sector, climate change impacts and community-based adaptation practices from field surveys and responses to climate change.

A freelance consultant with support from the national project team analysed data and information using the SPSS programme and then an Excel spreadsheets based on a series of questionnaires. He consulted and helped draft a report on the field survey whose key findings are shown in Section 5 Results below.

Activity 2.1.4 Assess an adaptive capacity and design adaptation planning.

A freelance consultant with support from the national project team designed adaptation plan for Prey Veng Province, carried out an assessment on the following: Conference of the Parties (CoP 18) modalities of the NAP process; Climate Change Strategy Development Plan; Plan for Adapting to Climate Change; the Framework for Climate Change Adaptation Planning; Adaptation Planning and the Strategic Sustainability Performance Planning Process and Coordination; sharing lessons learnt; and development of common approaches. See the report, Climate Change Adaptation Planning Initiative at the Sub-National Level (Prey Veng Province) (CNMC, 2013).

Activity 2.2.1 Develop the selection criteria and identify specific demonstration site activities based on consultation outputs focusing on the four targeted districts.

The national project team developed the selection criteria and identified a specific demonstration site project based on consultation outputs focusing on the four targeted districts. The criteria for the selection of communes and villages focused on: (i) the presence of climate hazards such as floods, droughts and windstorms; (ii) increased risk of extreme events and hazards; (iii) livelihoods that are the most vulnerable to climate hazard; (iv) agricultural activities mainly rice cultivation; (v) water use in the household and for other purposes (agriculture and water resources, etc.); and (vi) the involvement of local government agencies, NGOs and stakeholders.

Activity 2.2.2 Conduct a survey on climate hazards, economic activities and the impact of agriculture sector.

Activity 2.2.3 Assess climate change impacts, and conduct a vulnerability and adaptation assessment for the specific demonstration site.

Activities 2.2.2 and 2.2.3. The national project team supported by the freelance consultant conducted the survey and assessed the impact of climate change on agriculture, including the target area. The assessment is presented in

14 Local Demonstration Projects on Climate Change Adaptation

the report, Assessment on the Impact of Climate Change, Vulnerability and Adaptation on the Agricultural Sector, specifically for Rice Production, in Prey Veng Province (CNMC, 2012a).

Activity 2.2.4 Conduct adaptation planning as appropriate at the demonstration site with all stakeholders including the local authorities and communities in order to identify and select priority adaptation options to respond to climate change.

At Prey Kandeang village, the CCAI team visited and consulted with beneficiaries. The team met with villagers who had dry-season rice fields and assessed the feasibility of rehabilitating an existing micro-canal for rice cultivation during dry season. After the site visit the CCAI team proposed a budget and action plan involving three steps.

Activity 2.2.5 Set up the demonstration site project to rehabilitate community irrigation schemes or ponds in order to provide sufficient water for rice farming and households and to reduce the risk of crop failures due to water shortage for four districts in Prey Veng Province, Peam Ro, Peam Chor, Mesang and Preah Sdech.

The national project team completed pond restoration in Prey Kandeang village. The CCAI team carried out in-depth consultations with villagers, local communities and stakeholders on addressing urgent water needs for

households and rice farming to reduce risks caused by climate change for 195 beneficiaries on the site. The project was finished at the end of 2012, based on the urgent need of the local community for the pond restoration within the village. Subsequently, it carried out awareness raising to hand over the responsibility of managing the pond to the beneficiaries.

Activity 3.1.1 Develop a stakeholder engagement and capacity-building plan at each level in the early stages of developing the tools and implementation of the demonstration project in order to target appropriate stakeholders.

The national project team developed a stakeholder engagement and capacity-building plan, stakeholder engagement plan at national institutions and others; stakeholder engagement plan in the demonstration site; and stakeholder engagement plan in civil society. See details in the report, Assessment on the Impact of Climate Change, Vulnerability and Adaptation on the Agricultural Sector, specifically for Rice Production, in Prey Veng Province (CNMC, 2012a).

Activity 3.1.2 Conduct awareness-raising campaigns on climate change, adaptation and gender mainstreaming for provincial key stakeholders and local communities, climate change concepts. Also, carry out an assessment on the impact of climate change, vulnerability and adaptation.

15 Final Report of the First Batch Project in Cambodia

The national project team raised awareness on climate change adaptation for provincial key stakeholders and local communities. In addition, the team strengthened awareness on adaptation to climate change and disseminated materials and documents related to climate change adaptation, including terminology, organize an official handover of the demonstration site on pond restoration to the local community in Prey Kandeang village.

Activity 3.1.3 Follow nationally defined priorities, provide training/field visits to pilot sites in Prey Veng Province.

Activity 3.1.4 Conduct a number of exchange visits and on-site training for national demonstration project team.

Activity 3.2.3 Conduct a focused series of exchanges and field exercises for Cambodia as a visit to another river basin organisation to discuss and share experiences on climate change and adaptation for the next step.

Activities 3.1.3, 3.1.4 and 3.2.3. The national project team exchanged field visits on 23-25 December 2012 to build capacity of institutions to support farmers to better adapt to climate variability and change in Prey Veng Province. See the report Field Exchange Visits for Building Capacities of Institutions to Help Farmers Better Adapt

to Climate Variability and Change in the Cambodian Demonstration Project, Prey Veng Province (CNMC, 2012c).

Activity 3.1.5 Increase technical capacity in the demonstration national project team (NPT) and target group at provincial level through training workshops and on-the-job training to build their capacity in using the above methods and tools reflected in innovation in adaptation measures to climate change.

Activity 3.1.6 Organise a provincial workshop on climate change and adaptation planning for all stakeholders for their better understanding and knowledge in order to develop the provincial action plan of climate change adaptation.

Activities 3.1.5 and 1.3.6. The national project team organized a provincial workshop on climate change and adaptation planning for all stakeholders. See Workshop Proceedings: Strengthening Provincial Capacity in Policy Making and Planning for Climate Change Adaptation at Different Levels, Prey Veng Province, 19-20 October 2011 (CNMC, 2011)

Activity 3.2.1 Train the national demonstration project team in application of the monitoring framework for assessing and reporting on the status of adaptation in Prey Veng Province.

16 Local Demonstration Projects on Climate Change Adaptation

Activity 3.2.2 Ensure mentoring and training by implementing partners of national experts in monitoring and reporting.

Activities 3.2.1 and 3.2.2. The national project team organised a training workshop for national demonstration project team and provincial departments. See training workshop proceedings: Capacity Building for the Monitoring and Reporting Progress, and Lessons Learned on Climate Change Adaptation Planning in Prey Veng Province, 26-27 March 2012 (CNMC, 2012d).

Activity 3.2.4 Enhance capacity and skills of national and local experts in communicating climate change messages in English and local languages.

The national project team raised awareness and built capacities on climate change adaptation among provincial key stakeholders and local communities, using the local language for posters and other materials related to climate change adaptation dissemination, and ensure posters were designed in Khmer language.

Activity 3.2.5 Clarify climate change terminology using national and local experts, and ensure translations into the national language.

Climate change terminology was produced and submitted to CCAI.

Activity 3.2.6 Prepare and finalise the final project report in collaboration with the MRC CCAI project team and experts associated with the next phase.

The national demonstration project team drafted a final project report, which was submitted to the MRC’s CCAI project team.

Activity 3.2.7 Organise a workshop to present the result findings and lessons learned order to share the results with local, national and the MRC Member Countries as well as development partners.

The national project team organized a final project workshop on the CCAI Demonstration Project on sharing the results and lessons learned of CCAI demonstration project with local, provincial and national stakeholders, and increasing awareness of climate change adaptation for provincial key stakeholders and local communities in Prey Veng Province, 25-26 March 2013.

17 Final Report of the First Batch Project in Cambodia

5.1. Outputs

Seven key outputs were planned and produced:

1. The Report on Identifying Key Problems, Establishing a Baseline and Compiling Supporting Methods and Tools for Climate Change Adaptation Assessment.

2. The Report on the Household and Gender Survey, and the vulnerability and adaptation assessment on Peam Ro, Peam Chor, Preah Sdach and Mesang Districts, Prey Veng Province, Cambodia.

3. Report on Assessing the Impact of Climate Change, Vulnerability and Adaptation of the Agricultural Sector, specifically for Rice Production, in Prey Veng Province.

4. The adaptation plan and actions for Prey Veng Province.

5. The pond rehabilitation project in Prey Kandeang village.

6. Training workshops and an exchange field visit of the national project team to other CCA projects.

7. Development of capacities to monitor and report on progress and performance, and share lessons learned on climate change and adaptation including the Climate Change Glossary in both English and Khmer.

Each of the Outputs is described below.

Output 1.1: Status of socio-economic development, the natural resources and biodiversity in Prey Veng Province for identifying key problems and establishing baselines related to activities

This output was a broad overview of climate change-related conditions in Prey Veng Province, which was completed in 2011, as discussed in the preceding section. It provided the background information to set out the current context and main issues for climate change adaptation.

Prey Veng Province is located in the south-east, around 90 km from Phnom Penh. It is located in the Mekong River flood plain; the Mekong River forms the western border in most of the province. In 2010, the population was estimated at 1,143,211. Female-headed households accounted for approximately 20 percent of households in the province. The population density is 233 people per km2, with an average number of people per family of 4.6. Over 99 percent of the population living in the province are Khmer citizens; only 1.13 percent are the ethnic minorities, including Vietnamese, Islam and Laotian. There is severe poverty in the province, with 53 percent of the population living under the poverty line compared to 36 percent nationwide (Prey Veng Council, 2010, 2011; RDC & Winrock Int, 2007).

The province is located on the east bank of the Mekong River, which is the backbone of agriculture and the main transport route. It covers 2.5 percent of Cambodia’s land area

5. RESULTS

18 Local Demonstration Projects on Climate Change Adaptation

and is one of the largest rice production areas in the country. It also produces other crops and also has significant fish, poultry and pigs (USAID, 2008). Prey Veng Province has two seasons: the dry and the rainy season. The rainy season generally starts in May and ends in October, and is followed by the dry season from November to April. During the rainy season, winds from the southwest carry heavy rains, which account for 90 percent of annual precipitation of the country. The dry season, which associated with the northeast monsoon, brings drier and cooler air from November to March and then hotter air in April and early May.

Earlier global climate models indicated that in Cambodia: mean annual temperatures could increase between 0.3 and 0.6°C by 2025 and 1.6 and 2.0°C by 2100; and mean annual rainfall could increase between 3 and 35 percent by 2100 with the magnitude of change varying with time and location. Lowland areas will have a higher increase in rainfall than highlands.

The average mean temperature from 1997 to 2010 was 28.3°C; the minimum mean temperature was around 23.6°C; and the maximum mean temperature was around 32.9 oC (Figure 2). Based on the results of rescaling temperature data of all grids from PRECIS, it emerged that the rate of mean monthly temperature increase ranged from 0.013 to 0.036°C per year depending on the location (SNC, 2010 [a draft]). The rate of temperature increase is high in low altitude areas such as in the central and in the north-east of Cambodia (0.036°C per year), and low in the high altitude

areas such as in the South-West (0.013°C per year).

The average annual rainfall from 1984 to 2010 fluctuated between 949 mm and 1,859 mm (Figure 3). However, over the past decade, some inland provinces had less than 600 mm of rainfall annually, and coastal areas, around 3,800 mm.

A survey of 443 households included questions on floods, droughts and windstorms. Without exception, all respondents stated that they were victim of floods, droughts and/or windstorms; The main hazards experienced were floods and/or droughts. In seven of the 12 districts, over 50 percent of the respondents stated that they were victims of both floods and droughts: Ba Phnom, Preah Sdech, Pear Reang, Peam Chor, Kampong Leav, Peam Ror and Svay Antor (Prey Veng). In Kanhchrearch, Kampong Trabaek and Kamchay Mear Districts, most of the respondents stated that droughts were more recurrent than floods. In general, floods commonly occurred around September, while droughts occurred around July. Considering that many farmers have been victim of droughts prior to the wet season, this suggests that they are often subject to ‘false rains’ in which isolated rainfall events around the expected onset date do not signal the sustained onset of the monsoon.

A study conducted by CARE found that the severe 2000 flood affected rice yield in two ways: (i) the flood occurred earlier than usual and damaged the dry season crop that was almost ripe for harvesting; and (ii) the flood

19 Final Report of the First Batch Project in Cambodia

15

the country. The dry season, which associated with the northeast monsoon, brings drier and cooler air from November to March and then hotter air in April and early May. Earlier global climate models indicated that in Cambodia: mean annual temperatures could increase between 0.3 and 0.6°C by 2025 and 1.6 and 2.0°C by 2100; and mean annual rainfall could increase between 3 and 35 percent by 2100 with the magnitude of change varying with time and location. Lowland areas will have a higher increase in rainfall than highlands. The average mean temperature from 1997 to 2010 was 28.3oC; the minimum mean temperature was around 23.6oC; and the maximum mean temperature was around 32.9 oC (Figure 2). Based on the results of rescaling temperature data of all grids from PRECIS, it emerged that the rate of mean monthly temperature increase ranged from 0.013 to 0.036oC per year depending on the location (SNC, 2010 [a draft]). The rate of temperature increase is high in low altitude areas such as in the central and in the north-east of Cambodia (0.036oC per year), and low in the high altitude areas such as in the South-West (0.013oC per year).

Figure 2: Maximum, Minimum and Average Temperatures, Prey Veng

Province, 1997 to 2010 The average annual rainfall from 1984 to 2010 fluctuated between 949 mm and 1,859 mm (Figure 3). However, over the past decade, some inland provinces had less than 600 mm of rainfall annually, and coastal areas, around 3,800 mm.

Source: Data from PDWRAM, 2010

Figure 2. Maximum, Minimum and Average Temperatures, Prey Veng Province, 1997 to 2010

Figure 3: Average Annual Rainfall in Prey Veng Province, 1984-2010

16

Figure 3: Average Annual Rainfall in Prey Veng Province, 1984-2010

A survey of 443 households included questions on floods, droughts and windstorms. Without exception, all respondents stated that they were victim of floods, droughts and/or windstorms; The main hazards experienced were floods and/or droughts. In seven of the 12 districts, over 50 percent of the respondents stated that they were victims of both floods and droughts: Ba Phnom, Preah Sdech, Pear Reang, Peam Chor, Kampong Leav, Peam Ror and Svay Antor (Prey Veng). In Kanhchrearch, Kampong Trabaek and Kamchay Mear Districts, most of the respondents stated that droughts were more recurrent than floods. In general, floods commonly occurred around September, while droughts occurred around July. Considering that many farmers have been victim of droughts prior to the wet season, this suggests that they are often subject to ‘false rains’ in which isolated rainfall events around the expected onset date do not signal the sustained onset of the monsoon. A study conducted by CARE (O’Brien, 2001) found that the severe 2000 flood affected rice yield in two ways: (i) the flood occurred earlier than usual and damaged the dry season crop that was almost ripe for harvesting; and (ii) the flood duration was much longer than usual, forcing farmers to delay planting the 2001 dry season crop for at least a month, which caused damage to seedlings for the dry season planting. The CCAI study reviewed the climate modelling tools. Rainfall data were used for estimating evapotranspiration potential (ETP), and then for filling soil water and the remaining calculated as run-off. When rainfall is less than the evapotranspiration, soil water was used partly to meet the need, thus water in the soil was lost (having evaporated through soil surface and crops). The amount of loss is called potential water loss (PWL). If this condition continues, the loss of water from soil will also continue until it reaches the permanent wilting point (PWP). When this PWL is accumulated, it is called the accumulated potential water loss (Acc PWL). In order to evaluate the impact of climate change, the median of rainfall and temperature data of the 14 GCM models and PRECIS model were run under two emission scenarios, and three time periods were used as inputs into the soil water balance model. To

Source: Data from PDWRAM, 2010

16

Figure 3: Average Annual Rainfall in Prey Veng Province, 1984-2010

A survey of 443 households included questions on floods, droughts and windstorms. Without exception, all respondents stated that they were victim of floods, droughts and/or windstorms; The main hazards experienced were floods and/or droughts. In seven of the 12 districts, over 50 percent of the respondents stated that they were victims of both floods and droughts: Ba Phnom, Preah Sdech, Pear Reang, Peam Chor, Kampong Leav, Peam Ror and Svay Antor (Prey Veng). In Kanhchrearch, Kampong Trabaek and Kamchay Mear Districts, most of the respondents stated that droughts were more recurrent than floods. In general, floods commonly occurred around September, while droughts occurred around July. Considering that many farmers have been victim of droughts prior to the wet season, this suggests that they are often subject to ‘false rains’ in which isolated rainfall events around the expected onset date do not signal the sustained onset of the monsoon. A study conducted by CARE (O’Brien, 2001) found that the severe 2000 flood affected rice yield in two ways: (i) the flood occurred earlier than usual and damaged the dry season crop that was almost ripe for harvesting; and (ii) the flood duration was much longer than usual, forcing farmers to delay planting the 2001 dry season crop for at least a month, which caused damage to seedlings for the dry season planting. The CCAI study reviewed the climate modelling tools. Rainfall data were used for estimating evapotranspiration potential (ETP), and then for filling soil water and the remaining calculated as run-off. When rainfall is less than the evapotranspiration, soil water was used partly to meet the need, thus water in the soil was lost (having evaporated through soil surface and crops). The amount of loss is called potential water loss (PWL). If this condition continues, the loss of water from soil will also continue until it reaches the permanent wilting point (PWP). When this PWL is accumulated, it is called the accumulated potential water loss (Acc PWL). In order to evaluate the impact of climate change, the median of rainfall and temperature data of the 14 GCM models and PRECIS model were run under two emission scenarios, and three time periods were used as inputs into the soil water balance model. To

Source: Data from PDWRAM, 2010

duration was much longer than usual, forcing farmers to delay planting the 2001 dry season crop for at least a month, which caused damage to seedlings for the dry season planting.

The CCAI study reviewed the climate modelling tools. Rainfall data were used for estimating evapotranspiration potential (ETP), and then for filling soil water and the remaining

20 Local Demonstration Projects on Climate Change Adaptation

calculated as run-off. When rainfall is less than the evapotranspiration, soil water was used partly to meet the need, thus water in the soil was lost (having evaporated through soil surface and crops). The amount of loss is called potential water loss (PWL). If this condition continues, the loss of water from soil will also continue until it reaches the permanent wilting point (PWP). When this PWL is accumulated, it is called the accumulated potential water loss (Acc PWL). In order to evaluate the impact of climate change, the median of rainfall and temperature data of the 14 GCM models and PRECIS model were run under two emission scenarios, and three time periods were used as inputs into the soil water balance model. To increase the level of confidence, the analysis was refined applying the downscaling method to the GCM outputs.

The project organised a consultation meeting with the local authorities and stakeholders, including provincial departments in order to introduce the CCAI demonstration site project and discuss key problems and issues. The tentative prioritized villages or target villages based on the discussions were identified.

Output 1.2: Current and future development of strategies, policies, plans and programmes as well as institutional arrangements, available information and data related to climate change adaptation in the Lower Mekong River in Prey Veng Province, Cambodia

A report synthesises the current and future strategies, sectoral policies, plans and programmes, and available information and

data related to climate change adaptation, particularly in the agricultural sector in Cambodia. This study performed three types of analysis:

• anassessmentoftheoptimumplantingtimes for wet season rice (rainfed system) and dry season rice (irrigated rice) by running the model under 24 different planting times throughout the year. This analysis aimed to understand the potential yield reduction if the crop is planted at an inappropriate time;

• anassessmentontheimpactofclimatechange under two emission scenarios in 2025, 2050 and 2080 on rice yield in the nine provinces;

• evaluationof thebalancebetweenricesupply and demand in 2025, 2050 and 2080 under different climate change scenarios and different government programmes for increasing rice yield.

In order to assess the impact of climate change in rice production in Cambodia, this study used the dynamic crop simulation model, the Decision Support System for Agro-technology Transfer (DSSAT). The model was run only in nine main rice growing provinces, because the soil data required for this model were only available in these sites. Climate data used for running the model were historical and future climate data generated by 14 GCMs from Masutomi et al. (2009). The future climate data were generated under two emission scenarios, SRESA2 and SRESB1. The changes in CO2 under

21 Final Report of the First Batch Project in Cambodia

the two different scenarios were used as input for the DSSAT model.

By using all data downscaled by the PRECIS regional climate model for the Mekong River Basin over the land area, 30-year periods of records were averaged from 1960 to 2099 (SEA START RC, 2009). The results of the analysis showed a clear increasing trend in mean temperature data: a rapid increase in temperature is expected to occur after 2030 and variation of mean temperature may also increase in the future.

Changing patterns of rainfall were identified over previous and projected decades. Rainfall variability of some regions may decrease or increase depending on the time horizons. Output 1.3: Supporting methods and tools for adaptation planning, such as for climate hazards including flood- and drought-risk mapping, determining the impact of climate change, conducting a vulnerability and adaptation assessment, and raising awareness among provincial and community-based stakeholders as well as among concerned provincial departments and all key stakeholders

The key methods and tools that were taken into consideration together with local and provincial departments and authorities and other stakeholders included:

• A guidebook for assessingcommunevulnerability and risk-adaptation to climate change. These methodologies for vulnerability, risk

and adaptation assessment have been reviewed from a number of documents and reports from several organizations that worked on related issues at the community level. It emerged that the combination of the following data collection methods were needed for the assessment (Inmuong, 2011).

• Mainstreaming Climate ChangeAdaptation: A Practioner’s Handbook (2009) by CARE International in Viet Nam (Understanding Climate Change; Mainstreaming Climate Change Adaptation in Practice; and Tools for Mainstreaming Climate Change Adaptation).

• AToolkitforDesigningClimateChangeAdaptation Initiatives: (i) Key Principles of Adaptation to Climate Change; (ii) Key Components in Designing an Adaptation Initiative; (iii) Obtaining a Stakeholder Consensus for Designing an Adaptation Initiative; and (iv) Key Tools and Methodologies for Designing an Adaptation Initiative (UNDP, 2010).

The report identified the appropriate methods and tools for assessing climate hazards, community adaptation options for introducing adaptation planning, including selected climate modelling and downscaling parameters (from PRECIS and MAGICC/SCENGEN), and relevant gender perspectives. These methods and tools were disseminated to the concerned provincial departments, local authorities and other stakeholders. The general methods and tools for adaptation planning are shown in Table 1.

22 Local Demonstration Projects on Climate Change Adaptation

No. Tools and Methods Description Website

1. Assessment of Impact of Climate Change,

Community Vulnerability, Risk and Adaptation

Environmental Health Science, Faculty of Public

Health, Khon Kaen University

2. Mainstreaming Climate Change Adaptation www.careclimatechange.org

www.ngocentre.org.vn/node/5457

3. A Toolkit for Designing Climate Change

Adaptation Initiatives

http://www.undp.org/climatechange

4. IPCC Technical Guidelines for Assessing Climate

Change Impacts and Adaptations

http://www.ipcc.ch/publications_and_data/

publications_and_data_reports.htm

5. UNDP Adaptation Policy Framework (APF) http://www.undp.org/climatechange/adapt/apf.

htm

6. Assessments of Impacts and Adaptations

to Climate Change in Multiple Regions and

Sectors (AIACC)

http://www.aiaccproject.org/

7. Guidelines for the Preparation of National

Adaptation Programmes of Action (NAPAs)

http://unfccc.int/fi les/cooperation_and_

support/ldc/

application/pdf/annguide.pdf

8. IIPCC-TGCIA Guidelines on the Use of Scenario

Data for Climate Impact and Adaptation

Assessment

http://www.ipcc data.org/guidelines/TGICA_

guidance_sdciaa_v2_fi nal.pdf

9. The Climate Impacts LINK Project http://badc.nerc.ac.uk/data/link/

10. Statistical Downscaling Model (SDSM) https://co-public.lboro.ac.uk/cocwd/SDSM/

11. MAGICC/SCENGEN http://www.cru.uea.ac.uk/~mikeh/software/

12. PRECIS (Providing Regional Climates for

Impacts Studies)

http://precis.metoffi ce.com/other_links.html

13. Adaptation Actions http://www.ukcip.org.uk/index.

php?option=com_content&task=view&id=286

14. Community-based Risk Screening Tool –

Adaptation and ...Adaptation and Livelihoods

(CRiSTA)

http://www.cristaltool.org/

15. Community-Based Disaster Risk

Management Field Practitioners’ Handbook

http://www.adpc.net/pdr-sea/

publications/12Handbk.pdf

16. Natural Disaster Mitigation in Drinking Water

and Sewerage Systems: Guidelines

for Vulnerability Analysis

http://www.paho.org/English/DD/PED/

natureng.htm

Table 1 General methods and tools for adaptation planning

23 Final Report of the First Batch Project in Cambodia

No. Tools and Methods Description Website

17. Decision Support Systems Linking

Agro-Climatic Indices with GCM-Originated

Climate Change Scenarios

http://cres.anu.edu.au/outputs/anusplin.php#1

18. Process Crop Models: Decision Support System

for Agro-technology Transfer (DSSAT)

http://www.icasa.net/

Output 2.1: Assessment on the impact of climate change, vulnerability and adaptation, and adaptation planning practices for Prey Veng Province

The field survey, involving 172 interviews in four districts, provided important data on the status of climate change risks, vulnerabilities and coping and adaptation strategies in the province. In the survey areas, the most severe and the most frequent climate hazards occurring in the district, commune and village are floods (55% of respondents) and droughts (38% of respondents), followed by pests (7% of respondents). Drought occurred more frequently than floods (53% of respondents). The agricultural sector is the main sector affected by droughts and floods, with 64 percent of respondents stating that lowland rice was the main crop affected, while 34 percent identified other hazards such as infrastructure damage.

In the most damaged area, the average loss affected less than or equal to 0.5 ha. In areas of high frequency events, losses amounted to $1,030-2,500 whereas in areas of low frequency events, losses amounted to $90-375 (rice crops). On average, losses amounted to $327 per household from floods and $375 per household from droughts. Approximately 90

percent of the household losses were due to crop failure, and the remaining due to property damage. The average household value of loss of rice crop due to floods and droughts was $30 and $150, respectively.

Most of farmers in the surveyed target area (98.3% of respondents) cultivated more rice during the wet season than in the dry season (82.6%). This is because the source of water for irrigation is more easily obtained during the wet season. It appears from the survey that 31 percent of respondents planted rice/paddy from November to February, 29 percent from December to March, and 16 percent from January to April. During the wet season, around 50 percent of respondents cultivated rice/paddy from June to November, 24 percent from August to January, and 14 percent from May to August.

For the wet season:

- 87.2 percent of respondents were engaged in farming;

- most respondents spent US$45-160 on preparation and planting, and required 1-15 days of labour;

24 Local Demonstration Projects on Climate Change Adaptation

- most respondents spent $25-375 on maintenance, which required 121-180 days for 55.2 percent of respondents, 60-90 days for 30.8 percent of respondents, and 91-120 days for 1.2 percent of respondents;

- the majority of respondents (87%) spent $20-200 on labour for the harvest over a period of 1-5 days.

For the dry season:

- 62.7 percent of respondents were engaged in farming during the dry season;

- most respondents spent $42-500 on preparation and planting, and 62 percent of respondents required 1-15 days;

- the majority of respondents spent US$25-350 on maintenance, and 62 percent of respondents required 60-90 days;

- the majority of respondents (62%) spent

$20-150 on labour for harvesting over a period of around 1-5 days, 0.6 percent of respondents required 11-15 days and the remaining 38 percent of respondents gave no answer.

The survey found that 53 percent of respondents incurred damages from floods on their agricultural land: 7.6 percent of respondents incurred less than 25 percent crop damage from flooding; 9.9 percent, 25-50 percent crop damage; 16.3 percent, 51-75 percent crop damage; and 19.2 percent, over 75 percent. Most damage affected 0.1 to 0.5 ha for each proportion of agricultural land area.

Around one-quarter of respondents who operated a livestock breeding business incurred losses due to death caused by water-borne diseases or livestock gone missing due either to flooding or drought. Around 14.5 percent of respondents stated that damage to their homes amounted to 1-2.5 of incurred damage,

21

River flow48%

Rainfall32%

River flow and Rainfall20%

Floods Cause

25 Final Report of the First Batch Project in Cambodia

and the remaining 85 percent of respondents did not answer. Moreover, 7.6 percent of respondents stated that infrastructure such as access roads, ponds and wells were damaged by floods; 9.3 percent of respondents stated windstorms in their districts, communes and villages caused losses, especially to rice crops.

The main causes, duration and frequency of flood events are shown in Figure 4. River flooding was the biggest cause; some 41 percent experienced flooding for more than a month, generally once a year.

The flooding events have distinct peaks and their year-to-year increase is of concern. The survey indicated that during severe floods, homes and rice fields were inundated. The majority of respondents stated that they experienced flooding of their homes (30.8%) and of their fields (8.7%), at a depth of less than 0.5 m. Flooding of homes (29.7% of respondents) and of fields (19.2%) affected

0.5-1 m. However, as many as 32 percent of respondents experience flooding of their homes and 64.5 percent of respondents experienced flooding of their fields, both of over 1 m depth.

A total of 96.5 percent of the respondents considered that the most vulnerable sector in the surveyed target areas was the frequency of drought. The most vulnerable areas to droughts were rice fields (61.6%). The last drought occurred for 1-3 months for 72 percent of respondents and for more than three months for 26 percent of respondents. According to 56 percent of respondents, the most severe droughts lasted 1-3 months; 44 percent of respondents stated that the most recent drought lasted over three months, as shown in Figure 5.

22

The flooding events have distinct peaks and their year-to-year increase is of concern. The survey indicated that during severe floods, homes and rice fields were inundated. The majority of respondents stated that they experienced flooding of their homes (30.8%) and of their fields (8.7%), at a depth of less than 0.5 m. Flooding of homes (29.7% of respondents) and of fields (19.2%) affected 0.5-1 m. However, as many as 32 percent of respondents experience flooding of their homes and 64.5 percent of respondents experienced flooding of their fields, both of over 1 m depth. A total of 96.5 percent of the respondents considered that the most vulnerable sector in the surveyed target areas was the frequency of drought. The most vulnerable areas to droughts were rice fields (61.6%). The last drought occurred for 1-3 months for 72 percent of respondents and for more than three months for 26 percent of respondents. According to 56 percent of respondents, the most severe droughts lasted 1-3 months; 44 percent of respondents stated that the most recent drought lasted over three months, as shown in Figure 5.

Figure 5: Drought Characteristics The survey scored and ranked climate extremes in survey villages, as shown in Table 2, with two villages showing the highest ranking.

22

The flooding events have distinct peaks and their year-to-year increase is of concern. The survey indicated that during severe floods, homes and rice fields were inundated. The majority of respondents stated that they experienced flooding of their homes (30.8%) and of their fields (8.7%), at a depth of less than 0.5 m. Flooding of homes (29.7% of respondents) and of fields (19.2%) affected 0.5-1 m. However, as many as 32 percent of respondents experience flooding of their homes and 64.5 percent of respondents experienced flooding of their fields, both of over 1 m depth. A total of 96.5 percent of the respondents considered that the most vulnerable sector in the surveyed target areas was the frequency of drought. The most vulnerable areas to droughts were rice fields (61.6%). The last drought occurred for 1-3 months for 72 percent of respondents and for more than three months for 26 percent of respondents. According to 56 percent of respondents, the most severe droughts lasted 1-3 months; 44 percent of respondents stated that the most recent drought lasted over three months, as shown in Figure 5.

Figure 5: Drought Characteristics The survey scored and ranked climate extremes in survey villages, as shown in Table 2, with two villages showing the highest ranking.

Figure 5. Drought Characteristics

26 Local Demonstration Projects on Climate Change Adaptation

The survey scored and ranked climate extremes in survey villages, as shown in Table 2, with two villages showing the highest ranking.

According to 65.1 percent of respondents, domestic water is very difficult to access in March and April. For 67.4 percent of respondents, difficulties in their livelihodds occur due to insufficient water availability and remoteness from the water sources. Some 43 percent of respondents had difficulty in accessing water during the dry season and had to buy clean water. Costs ranged from less than $1 to $200; with a typical cost of $25.

During floods and droughts, as many as 96 percent of respondents did not receive financial support from the government, NGOs or any other institution. If floods become more frequent, 33 percent of respondents propose engaging the community to work together (checking the dam and the canal, repairing

dykes, etc.); 33 percent of respondents would adjust the planting strategy and use the climate forecast information; 18 percent of respondents would move to less vulnerable areas, and the remaining 16 percent of respondents did not provide an answer (Figure 6).

This is only some of the key information derived from the Household and Gender Survey. Much more detailed information is provided in the survey report on damages due to natural hazards (principally flood and drought) and water scarcity in households, estimates of loss caused to the agricultural sector (specifically rice cultivation) by floods and droughts and to the animal husbandry sector, the rural infrastructure sector and the human health sector. The report also explores the various coping and adaptation measures to respond to natural disasters and agriculture water stress.

Village Commune District Total score Ranking/priority

Ampovprey Koh Sampov Peam Chor 12 1

Prey Kandeang Prey Kandeang Peam Ro 7 2

Viel Robong Krom Angkor Ang Peam Chor 4 3

Neak Loeung Neak Loeung Peam Ro 4 3

Sang Ke Chong Kraing Svay Preah Sdach 3 5

Kdey Skear Chey Kampork Preah Sdach 2 6

Piey Niey Kraing Svay Preah Sdach 2 6

Prek Tasar Neak Loeung Peam Ro 2 6

Prek Thom Neak Loeung Peam Ro 2 6

Prey Koy Tro Paing Sre Me Sang 2 6

Thmey Peam Mean Chey Peam Ro 2 6

Table 2 Priority beneficiary village according to ranking of vulnerability to climate extremes

27 Final Report of the First Batch Project in Cambodia

23

16%

33%33%

18%

What are you going to do if the flood occurrence becomes more frequent?

None

Engage community to work together (checking the dam, canal, repairing the dykes, etc)

Adjust the planting strategy and using the climate forecast information

Table 2: Priority beneficiary village according to ranking of vulnerability to climate extremes

Village Commune District Total score Ranking/priority Ampovprey Koh Sampov Peam Chor 12 1 Prey Kandeang Prey Kandeang Peam Ro 7 2 Viel Robong Krom Angkor Ang Peam Chor 4 3 Neak Loeung Neak Loeung Peam Ro 4 3 SangKe Chong Kraing Svay Preah Sdach 3 5 Kdey Skear Chey Kampork Preah Sdach 2 6 Piey Niey Kraing Svay Preah Sdach 2 6 Prek Tasar Neak Loeung Peam Ro 2 6 Prek Thom Neak Loeung Peam Ro 2 6 Prey Koy Tro Paing Sre Me Sang 2 6 Thmey Peam Mean Chey Peam Ro 2 6

According to 65.1 percent of respondents, domestic water is very difficult to access in March and April. For 67.4 percent of respondents, difficulties in their livelihodds occur due to insufficient water availability and remoteness from the water sources. Some 43 percent of respondents had difficulty in accessing water during the dry season and had to buy clean water. Costs ranged from less than $1 to $200; wit